Think About it Later, aka the Scarlett O’Hara School For Making Tough Choices

In Gone With the Wind, Scarlett O’hara faces the many unpleasant circumstances presented by the American Civil War with one strategy. She chooses on many occasions ‘not to think about that right now.’ She reserves herself the right to think about whatever it is later, but not right now. That’s how she gathers the courage and fortitude to do what she must, including forsaking those she loves, loving those she doesn’t, and learning to survive her harsh conditions.

When it’s time to make tough choices, sometimes it’s better not to think too much. It’s likely a touch choice because there are good reasons for either course of action you have to choose from. The decision doesn’t necessarily get easier the more you think about it. Try this: get every possible pro and con on paper, as well as any other thoughts that are occupying your mind about the choice. Then put that paper away and forget about it for a few days. Any time you find yourself obsessing over the decision, gently remind yourself that you can think about it all you want at the end of your designated time period.

You may be surprised to find that the perfect choice suddenly becomes clear when you stop thinking so much. Factors affecting the decision may change. Either way, when you’re ready to consider the choice again, your mind is fresh, your subconscious has had time to work on it, and you’re likely to see different aspects to your choices.